MANILA – Ilonggo Kiefer Ravena, who currently plays as an Asian Quota Player for Yokohama B-Corsairs in Japan B. League, has expressed his openness to a potential return to the PBA in the future.
Ravena indicated that his decision regarding a PBA comeback will largely hinge on his forthcoming marriage to beauty queen Diane Mackey and their choice of residence post-wedding.
“Obviously, my marriage is a big part [of] the decision whether or not we try to settle down back home or try it out for a couple of more years here,” Ravena said in an interview with One PH’s Power and Play.
“I’ll still see. But strongly considering the opportunity. We’ll see. I still have this season to finish and see where it goes di ba?” he added. “Most definitely. I’m not gonna lie that I think about home, I think about the PBA.”
Ravena played for the NLEX Road Warriors from 2017 to 2021 before moving to the Shiga Lakes in the Japan B.League from 2021 to 2024, and he has recently signed with the B-Corsairs.
“Definitely, I would love to be back (in the PBA). I would love to challenge myself again and continue to see myself against the great players there in the PBA right now — especially ang daming magagaling,” Ravena said.
“There’s always a reason why I always continue to watch the PBA. A little scouting, here and there, who to guard and what to expect,” added the two-time UAAP men’s basketball tournament champion.
Should he make a return to the PBA, Ravena expressed a preference to rejoin the Road Warriors, acknowledging the significant role the team played in his career.
“To be honest, I really owe a lot to NLEX. Kasi kung hindi naman nila ako pinayagan in the first place, I wouldn’t be here. So it’s just right for me to give back to the team that allowed me to go to greener pastures and help them get back to the winning ways and you know, tignan natin kung ano mangyayari with that,” said Ravena.
“But I’m sure, coach Jong [Uichico], Boss Ronald [Dulatre], my former teammates ano din sila, excited din sila if ever I do come back,” he continued./PN
